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As representative for the Department of Homeland Security, Brown recognized the importance of good fashion during periods of emergency photo opportunities. Just days before Katrina made landfall, Brown e-mailed his press secretary, Sharon Worthy, about his attire, asking: "Tie or not for tonight? Button-down blue shirt?"

Worthy reportedly asked for advice from Isaac Mizrahi, DHS Under Secretary for Fashion and Color-Coordination.

A few days later, Worthy advised Brown: "Please roll up the sleeves of your shirt, all shirts. Even the president rolled his sleeves to just below the elbow. In this (crisis) and on TV you just need to look more hard-working."

On August 29, the day of the storm, Brown exchanged e-mails about his attire with another staffer who told him, "You look fabulous, honey!" Brown replied, "I got it at Nordstroms. ... Are you proud of me?"